Two-time World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi says that he is content with the possibility of having his role as the team captain being taken away from him.
The 32-year-old who now plays for the French club Racing 92 recently spoke to reporters highlighting that this was one of the factors that he needed to consider after deciding to stay in France after a successful World Cup.
With his contract keeping him in Europe until 2026, he had the following to say: “That’s normal. I knew that before making the decision to come here.”
“He (Rassie) speaks, and he says this is the situation, it is what it is, there’s nothing I can do about it,” he explained.
Last month Rassie held a press conference in which he highlighted that Siya’s move to France might result in a leadership shift in the national team.
While Rassie had not entirely dismissed the idea of Siya maintaining his role as captain, he has mentioned that he would prefer having his captain to be based in South Africa as it helps for better communication purposes.
Rassie further highlighted that there were many players who signed overseas clauses saying that they will stop playing international rugby, however, Siya has not done that, which is a clear indication that he still wants to contribute to the Springboks.
At the time the coach added: “This is a unique situation. He will be considered. He definitely wants to and is playing well enough. If we get the feeling that it is doable, maybe there’s a place for that. But I still have to suss it out.”
Also see: Siya Kolisi buys his father a seaside home in Gqeberha